If you want to pursue a dental health career, you don’t have to wait until you become a Licensed Dentist.
Learn how you can become a Dental Assistant in Maine with half the amount of schooling as a Dentist.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Maine Dental Assistant
An unlicensed Dental Assistant in Maine can perform basic duties in a dental office that does not alter the patient’s life forever.
Assistants with no license, however, always need to remain under the close supervision of the Licensed Dentist on staff.
Whether licensed or unlicensed, you should earn your Basic Life Support (BLS, CPR) certification as soon as possible.
In addition, you also need to become trained and certified in all topics concerning the administration of local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and other sedatives no matter how deep or mild.
You also must have the CPR and sedative training before working under the title of an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EFDA) or a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
You will need to pass an exam held by the Main Board of Dental Practice with a score of at least 90% and complete training approved by the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
If you already served as a Dental Assistant in the past, you must still be in good standing in either the United States or Canada.
Other state requirements may apply, which you need to explore before you decide to pursue a DA career.
The state of Maine also requires you to be at least 18 years old.
Most of your certification exams will be hosted by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
5 Dental Assistant Schools in Maine
1. University of Maine at Augusta (UMA)
Attending the Dental Assisting program at UMA prepares you for the DANB CDA exam.
Your training includes at least 300 hours of practice in the kind of environment where you would work full time when hired as a Dental Assistant.
This coursework also covers radiology, oral health, and business office topics.
You will spend time in both general and specialized dental clinics, and some of your training will happen in a hospital or community setting. Dental lab experience also is provided.
2. The DALE Foundation
DALE offers resources for every state, including Maine, based on that region’s regulations. DALE also provides continuing education (CE) support to people looking for training that helps them maintain or renew their current certifications.
You will have to look up the current course offerings in their catalog.
Some topics include radiology, infection control, general chairside, and dental office management.
Some courses prepare you for the DANB exams you would take to earn your Dental Assistant certifications.
3. Yarmouth Dental
This workforce training Dental Assistant program will prepare you for the tasks you would perform on the job.
You will gain experience that could place you in general dentistry, orthodontic, endodontic, or pediatric dentistry cleaning, for example.
This training center does inform you about the CDA credential offered by the DANB or the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
They also tell you about the Infection Control (ICE) and General Chairside (GC) parts you must pass to complete your training and certify you in Maine.
Class offerings usually run for about 11 weeks, and they will at least start you out with entry-level Dental Assisting information.
4. Dental Careers Institute
This learning center offers you the chance to study with experienced dentists.
It is a workforce-based program that prepares you for chairside assisting work.
It includes 10 weeks of Dental Assistant hands-on experience and five weeks of radiology training.
During this time, you will practice working with the instruments, materials, and equipment usually required for someone in your position.
General theory classes, such as anatomy or physiology, are also included.
5. Elite Learning (Continuing Education, CE)
You are responsible for making sure the courses that this continuing education center matches up with state and local requirements.
It does provide a variety of CE packages to help you hold on to your current certificate or renew it.
Topics include pain management, oral surgery complications, and opioid administration.
Some courses are for Licensed Dentists, but others are for Dental Assistants.
Dental Assistant Schools in Maine – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Maine
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The University of Maine at Augusta | 46 University Dr, Augusta, ME 04330 |
| The DALE Foundation | |
| Yarmouth Dental | 10 Forest Falls Dr #7, Yarmouth, ME 04096 |
| Dental Careers Institute | 20 Long Creek Dr, South Portland, ME 04106, |
| Elite Learning | 26 N. Beach St., Suite A Ormond Beach, FL 32174 |
Salary
Maine Dental Assistants make an average annual salary of $39,445 as of May 2022.
Yearly incomes typically range from $34,985 and $43,766.
Additional training, certifications, and experience could increase your earnings to $47,699 or more.
Cities in Maine where you can find jobs include Portland, Auburn, Augusta, Brunswick, and North Waterboro.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dental Assistants in Maine
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $39,989 |
| Lewiston | $39,580 |
| Bangor | $37,394 |
| South Portland | $39,989 |
| Auburn | $39,580 |
| Brunswick | $39,635 |
| Biddeford | $39,799 |
| Sanford | $40,991 |
| Augusta | $38,283 |
| Scarborough | $39,989 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 160 | $48,430 | $23.29 | $57,140 | $39,550 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 110 | $50,170 | $24.12 | $61,100 | $39,290 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 530 | $50,450 | $24.25 | $59,570 | $39,490 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of dental assistant training in Maine?
The average cost of dental assistant training in Maine is about $5,000-$10,000 per year.
That depends on if you acquire a university education or enter a workforce-based course.
Less cost does not necessarily mean lower quality education.
However, it might only cover the basics required for an entry-level position and not equip you with EFDA readiness.
How long does dental assistant training in Maine typically take?
Most dental assistant training programs in Maine take between 9 and 12 months to complete.
If you decide to work toward an associate’s degree, you would spend about two years in school.
Your training duration also depends on if you plan to pursue a Dental Assistant position as a standalone career or wish to work toward becoming a Licensed Dentist.
What duties do I have to perform as a Dental Assistant in Maine?
As a Dental Assistant in Maine, you will sterilize and place instruments on a tray for the dentist to use during procedures.
In addition, you would take x-rays and prepare patients for their appointments.
You also may have to handle patient records and interpret their charts.
What hours does a Maine Dental Assistant work?
Most dental assistants in Maine work 40 or more hours per week.
This might include some evenings or weekends, but most of the time working is usually Monday through Friday.
What are some challenges that Dental Assistants in Maine face?
You will have to work with patients who are anxious or in pain.
Exposure to blood and other bodily fluids also sometimes puts you at risk of infections.
